Tri-State Airport Appoints New Police Chief

HUNTINGTON, WV – Huntington Tri-State Airport Director Jerry Brienza has announced the appointment of Michael T. Wentz as the Airport Chief of Police to oversee the Airport’s Police Department.

Wentz brings twenty-eight years of police department experience to his new role, including having served as a Tri-State Airport (HTS) Police Officer since May 2016. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Military Police School and the WV State Police Academy. Prior to joining the airport, Wentz served in multiple law enforcement roles with agencies in Wayne, Ceredo, and Kenova before retiring as Sergeant/Detective Bureau Commander in May 2016 from the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office. He resides in Huntington, West Virginia.

“Chief Wentz is well qualified and experienced to oversee the law enforcement and security functions at the airport,” said Brienza. “Nearly 200,000 passengers traveled through HTS in 2016, and we expect to meet or exceed that number in 2017. Keeping travelers, visitors and employees safe and secure has been and remains the airport’s top priority. I’m excited to have Chief Wentz leading these efforts and am confident he’ll continue to be a great asset to the airport and community.”

Airport Police Officers are employees of the Tri-State Airport Authority and are state certified and empowered to enforce the state laws of West Virginia within the geographical boundaries of the airport. The Police Department’s primary function is the protection and safety of the general public as they pass through the airport. The department works closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and all other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to carry out its mission.